Friday, December 24, 2010

Top 25 Fave Bajan Christmas Songs

Christmas is a beautiful time of year, and it's made even more so by the music of the holiday season, which can range from the heartwarming to the inspirational to the hilarious.

A few years ago I listed my top 20 favourite Christmas tunes, and it's only fair that I do a similar post on my favourite Bajan holiday songs. And to show that we doan mek sport here in Bim, I'm gonna do 25 songs.

Anyhoo, here goes....


25. Christmas Medley - Madd

24. Wuh Yuh Got to Gimme Fuh Christmas - Sach Moore & the Sandpebbles
23. Christmas Is Here - Kareen Clarke
22. Season of Love - Marissa Lindsay


21. It Doesn't Feel Like Christmas Without You - Rihanna


20. Happy Birthday Jesus - The Merry Men

19. I Want a Piece o' Pork - Scrunter
18. It's All About Christmas - The Merry Men


17. Watch Out - Allison Hinds & Peter Ram

16. It's Christmas - Kimberley Inniss
15. Christmas Road March - Madd


14. Why Can't This Christmas Feeling Go On - Bumba

13. Calypso Christmas - Blood
12. For Christmas - Director
11. Christmas Feeling - The Merry Men


10. Rock Steady Christmas - Richard Stoute

9. Things of Christmas - Draytons Two
8. You're Only Good To Me at Christmas Time - Tamara Marshall


7. Carolling, Carolling - Natahlee Burke

6. Put Christ In Your Christmas - John King
5. She Mistake Me Fuh Santa Claus - Madd featuring Eric Lewis


4. Maisy - RPB


3. It Really Feels Like Christmas - Kimberley Inniss


2. Little Drummer Boy - Natahlee Burke & Bigggie Irie


1. No Christmas Without You - Edwin Yearwood

And as a bonus, here's my fave adopted Bajan Christmas song:


Calypso Noel - Beckett (St. Vincent)

Well, my good people, here we are. It's now nearly 3:00 a.m. on Christmas Eve here in Bim and I still have a lot to do before I turn in for the night. But that's all part of the fun of the season.

So, Merry Christmas again, be safe out there, enjoy your time with friends and family and si dieu veux, I'll hear you all next week.

Monday, December 06, 2010

Merry Christmas....recession style


Well, peoples, it's that holly, jolly time again. Although Christmas will always be my fave time of the year, this year feels a bit different because, well, let's face it, we're in a recession and most of us can't afford the usual "lavish and stavish" yuletide celebrations.

In last month's Budget, the Value Added Tax was increased by 2.5% and so several commodities are now more expensive to purchase. Thankfully, several businesses have chosen to absorb the VAT this month. They're not stupid, they know their sales will be seriously affected because shoppers will be watching every penny.

Anyhoo, I gave it some thought and I came up with some ways that we can still enjoy the holidays and not break the bank:


1) Re-gift. I know I'm going to take a lot of heat for this one. It's not something I generally advise but in this harsh economic climate, when choosing a gift for that friend or even the workplace gift-exchange, why not look to see what hidden treasures you might already have in your possession?

Now, there are some ground rules to follow for re-gifting. The item should be new and/or unused and please, please please....try to remember who gave it to you. Ain't nothing more embarrasing than giving a gift back to someone who gave it to you in the first place. Wuhloss. And don't even attempt to re-gift a present to someone who lives in your house. They will remember you got it from Aunt Joyce for your birthday last year....

2) Bargain shop. You only shop on Broad Street in Barbados, Frederick Street in Trinidad or the high street of whatever town you're from? Forget that. It's time to try the local markets and street vendors, the $2 or $3 store (you can make a gift basket) and the thrift shop.


3) Focus on the reason for the season. Christmas isn't all about shopping and spending loads of money. Take time to soak up the beautiful sights and sounds of the season. Almost every day a free concert will be held in one of the town centres - check the papers and go enjoy.

4) Recycle. Christmas is one of those seasons when Bajans like to buy new things, and hey, if you can afford to purchase that new living room suite you've had your eye on the entire year, who am I to stop you? But, wherever possible, spruce up your old stuff and save a buck or two.


5) Pot luck. Ahhh, food. The centrepiece of Christmas in Bimshire. The typical Christmas Day lunch here includes green peas and rice, macaroni pie, baked pork, ham, sweet potato pie, jug-jug, stuffing, vegetables and I could go on and on. As lovely as that all sounds, preparing all those dishes yourself is not only tiring, it's expensive. This year, why not join up with friends and family and have a potluck? It'll save time and money.

6) Be your brother's keeper. You may be feeling the economic pinch this year, but I guarantee there's someone in a worse position than you. This holiday season, give a donation to a charity or volunteer your time to a feeding programme.

7) Go to church. Trini soca legend Crazy sang that we need to put Jesus in our Christmas, and I couldn't agree more. To put the icing on the cake of your yuletide celebrations, go and give praise. This is the only time of the year that anyone can get me to wake up at 3:00 a.m. to prepare for a 5:00 a.m. service. But trust me, there's nothing sweeter than than pre-dawn Christmas breeze.

Enjoy, be safe and I'll be back soon with my fave Bajan Christmas songs.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

A New Knight for Barbados


Congratulations to the President of the Senate, His Honour Senator Dr. Branford Mayhew Taitt, who has had the national award of Knight of St. Andrew conferred on him "for his distinguished career and his outstanding service and contribution to Barbados and public life."

Below is the list of the other persons awarded in this years Independence Honours:

GOLD CROWN OF MERIT
For highly meritorious service or achievement in science, the arts, literature, sports, civic duties or any other endeavour worthy of national recognition.
(Number of Awards available: 4)

Colonel Leonard Cameron Banfield, LVO
For highly meritorious and distinguished military service.

Ms. Gail Elma Delores Brathwaite
For highly meritorious service to the financial services sector and her unswerving commitment to philanthropic work with the Barbadian diaspora in the United States of America.

Mr. St. Clair Leolan Harper, J.P.
For highly meritorious service as a funeral director and his contribution to the local transport sector.

Mr. Donald Hill
For highly meritorious service in the area of telecommunications development and his unswerving commitment to preserving the environment.

SILVER CROWN OF MERIT
For meritorious service or achievement in science, the arts, literature, sports, civic duties or any other endeavour worthy of national recognition.
(Number of Awards available: 4)

Mr. William Eustace Alleyne, BCH
For meritorious service to the development of still photography in Barbados and the Caribbean.

Mr. Ralph Anthony Jemmott
For meritorious service as an educator in particular his contribution as a historian.

Mr. Sylvester Earle Niles, J.P.
For meritorious contribution to education and the development of youth.

Miss Yvonne Veronica Walkes, J.P.
For meritorious work as a women’s advocate and a trade unionist.

BARBADOS SERVICE STAR
For meritorious work in the civil, fire, military, police, prison or other protective services or any other similar field of endeavour.
(Number of Awards available: 5)

Mr. Edwin Ebenezer Gilkes
For his significant contribution to the development of the local entertainment industry in particular the promotion of jazz music.

Mr. Keith Hyvestia Griffith
For his unswerving service to the development of sports in particular football and road tennis.

Captain Andrew Ricardo Headley
For his significant contribution to national security during the 2005 crisis at Her Majesty’s Prison Glendairy crisis.

Mr. Michael Anthony Young
For his significant contribution to the development of the water sports industry.

Miss Jean Mary Belling
For her immeasurable contribution as a Secretary in the public service for three decades.

BARBADOS SERVICE MEDAL
For meritorious work in the civil, fire, military, police, prison or other protective services or any other similar field of endeavour.
(Number of Awards available: 5)

Mrs. Dilease Vitella Chandler
For her contribution to the development of the students at the Roebuck/Louis Lynch Secondary school.

Mrs. Maizie Harewood
For her dedication and commitment to nursing as a public health sister.

Mr. Alvin Livinston McDonald Sobers
For his service to persons with disabilities.

Miss Marcella Cynthia Worrell
For her longstanding service to the National Conversation Commission, in particular her assignment at Ilaro Court.

Mr. Herbert Lawrence Walker
For his selfless contribution to the development of the members of the Royal Barbados Police Force’s band for over a quarter of a century.

BARBADOS BRAVERY MEDAL
For acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances.

(Unlimited awards available)
Fire Officer 246 Pernel Leeverne McClean
For his courageous act of saving the life of Miss Charlotte Parris whose vehicle careened into the Belle Gully during a flash flood on October 1, 2010.

Happy Independence, Barbados!


On behalf of the Cheese-on-bread family, I would like to extend best wishes to all Barbadians at home and abroad as we celebrate another milestone in our development.

We celebrate today realising that we've had a very trying year and hoping that God's grace will pull us through as we continue to face harsh economic times. But, in all things, to God be the glory.

To all those persons, Bajan and otherwise, who have contributed to our development, we salute you.

Just to give you a snapshot of how Bajans celebrate their Independence Day; the Independence Parade at the Garrison Savannah will begin shortly at 8:00 a.m., and all the armed and unarmed units will put on quite a spectacular show there before marching down Bay Street to Government Headquarters, where the Prime Minister will be saluted.

All day long communities will be having sports and other fun activities and of course plenty of conkies, fish cakes and other delicacies will be consumed. In the east, the annual St. Philip Carnival will be taking place (from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.)

Again, Happy Independence all, and stay safe!

Friday, November 26, 2010

Catching up


Hey, peoples! Thought I had deserted you, right? I'm still here ticking along, busy, busy. I hope all my readers in the US had a happy Thanksgiving. I know most of you must be at the mall right now doing some serious Black Friday shopping.

So, hasn't the Caribbean been through the wringer lately? Between the cholera outbreak in Haiti, Hurricane Tomas dealing a harsh blow to St. Lucia and Kamla Persad-Bissessar eating her foot and then humble pie in Trinidad, there's been a lot to report on.

Added to that is the budget presentation in Barbados, of which I will speak later.

'Over in away,' Bajan superstar Rihanna scored an American Music Award for Best Soul/R&B female, and wuk up real bad in her opening act in the show. Congrats on the award, Rih-Rih. Now your Grammys have some company.

Wednesday, November 03, 2010

Late PM Thompson laid to rest


Barbados' sixth Prime Minister, David Thompson, was laid to rest today at St. John Parish Church, after a moving two-hour funeral service at the historic Kensington Oval.

The service was preceded by the funeral procession from Downes and Wilson funeral home in Eagle Hall, to the Oval. Scores of Barbadians lined the streets to get a glimpse of the sombre spectatacle which accompanied the gun carriage bearing the former Prime Minister's body.

At Kensington Oval, dignitaries and the man-on-the-street gathered to pay their last respects. Some of the Heads of Government in attendance were PM Hubert Ingraham of the Bahamas; PM Denzil Douglas of St. Kitts; PM Tillman Thomas of Grenada; PM Baldwin Spencer of Antigua; PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and PM Bruce Golding of Jamaica.

Also in attendance were cricket great Brian Lara; international recording artist Rihanna; and World Champion hurdler, Ryan Brathwaite.

Image: The family of late PM Thompson and Cabinet colleagues escort the gun carriage bearing his body into Kensington Oval. (courtesy GIS)

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Plans for PM Thompson's funeral underway

Since being chosen over the weekend to coordinate the state funeral of Prime Minister David Thompson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Senator Maxine McClean has held a number of press briefings on the activities leading up to the funeral next Wednesday at the Kensington Oval.

Here're the details in a nutshell, courtesy of the Government Information Service:

The Minister explained that as a lead-up to the funeral, there would be the lying-in-state and the provision of condolence books for signing at a number of locations. Starting on Thursday, October 28, the body will lie-in-state upstairs in the East Wing of Parliament where, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., there will be private viewing by dignitaries in the order of the Table of Precedence, from the Governor General to current and former Members of Parliament.

From 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. that same day, as well as on Tuesday, November 2, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., members of the public may view the body upstairs the East Wing of Parliament.

The public will also have an opportunity to see Mr. Thompson on Friday, October 29, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at his alma mater, Combermere; the following day, Saturday, October 30, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the George Street Auditorium; and at the St. John Parish Church on November 1, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Persons will be able to sign condolence books at the following locations: downstairs the East and West Wings of Parliament on October 28 from 1100 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on October 29 and 30, and November 1 and 2.

Condolence books will also be placed at Government Headquarters for public officers on October 29 and 30, and November 1 and 2 from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day; at the George Street Auditorium, on October 29 and 30, and November 1 and 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day; at Combermere School on October 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and at the Gall Hill Community Centre, St. John, on October 29 and 30, and November 1 and 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.


And today she released that:

"With respect to the conduct of the service, a number of religious denominations will be represented. Dr. the Hon. John Holder will be the main celebrant. It is estimated that the duration of the service will be for one and a half hours and the service will be preceded by musical tributes beginning at 8:50 a.m. and this will be followed by the interment at the St. John’s Parish Church.”

Senator McClean indicated that many Barbadians were desirous of attending the funeral service, but stressed that admission to Kensington Oval would be by ticket only and persons would have to be seated by 8:30 a.m.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade mentioned that to facilitate persons attending the service the Transport Board would have a ‘Park and Ride’ system in operation. She indicated the sites would be the traditional locations: the National Cultural Foundation car park, the Barbados Tourism Investment Inc.’s Car park on Bay Street, the Wildey Gymnasium, Weymouth B and Queen’s College. The shuttle service begins at 6:00 a.m.


Next Wednesday is going to be a painful ordeal...

Saturday, October 23, 2010

A Nation Mourns


Prime Minister of Barbados, the Honourable David Thompson, has passed away.

According to reports, the Prime Minister died at his private residence in St. Philip at 2:10 a.m.

He was diagnosed in September with pancreatic cancer after undergoing medical tests since May.

At the moment, Cabinet is in session and we await word on who will be sworn in as the next Prime Minister of Barbados, more than likely DPM Freundel Stuart.

On behalf of Cheese-on-Bread, I wish to extend deepest condolences to the PM's family, friends, colleagues and to my fellow Barbadians at this difficult time.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Going with Owen....again


Wuhlossssss. A day is a long time in politics in Bimshire. It's official, y'all. Mr. Owen Seymour Arthur is the new Leader of the Opposition Barbados Labour Party.

Here's the story in Nation News.com:

The vote to return Owen Arthur as leader of the Barbados Labour Party was a unanimous one.

George Payne told the Press today that Mia Mottley, the former leader, no longer commands the confidence of the majority of members in the parliamentary group. "Owen Seymour Arthur is the person we support...the necessary letter has gone to the Governor General and we await his decision with respect to that".

Arthur in accepting his selection by the group says no one had done more than him to facilitate Mottley, pointing out it was he who had first appointed her to his Cabinet serving as Minister of Education and Culture, Attorney General and Minister of Economic Affairs and later elevating to Leader of Government Business and Deputy Prime Minister.

Arthur says “ I really wished Mia Mottley would have led the people of Barbados to so cause them to forget about me”.

He promises to give his full attention to the leadership of the BLP. “I will give this my undivided attention. I will not be going to Antigua, I will not be doing any more consultancies. I will give this my undivided attention”.

The meeting to decide on the leadership of the BLP was held just after 10 a.m. Mia Mottley, the MP for St Michael North East, MP for St Thomas Cynthia Forde and MP for St James North Rawle Eastmond did not attend the meeting.

Along with Arthur, present were former Prime Minister Owen Arthur, George Payne, Ronald Toppin, Gline Clarke, William Duguid and Dale Marshall.


And again I say, wuhloss. They do my girl Mia real bad, though. I know people feel more confident with economist Arthur at the helm of the party because of the current environment, but I don't think she was given enough of a chance to show her worth.

It remains to be seen how Ms. Mottley will respond to this backraising (especially by her Deputy Dale Marshall). The way things are going, she may be back in the chair again by the time elections are next called, so who knows...

Tuesday, October 05, 2010

Rihanna the stylista



offers her styling services to a select group of fans at Topshop’s Oxford Circus store on October 4 in London, England.

Five lucky girls who entered a recent Topshop competition won a meet-and-greet with the 22-year-old singer and a styling session with her inside the store’s personal shopping suite.

As an added bonus, they also got to keep the outfit Rihanna selected for them.

Good for the girls, but based on this outfit, I can only imagined what pieces Rihanna put together for the five. A definite demented elf chic is going on here...

Shuffling on...


For the third time since capturing the Government in 2008, the Democratic Labour Party has reshuffled its Cabinet.

This time around, it's because ailing PM David Thompson has had to shed most of his portfolios. His role is now that of Prime Minister and Minister of National Security.

Here's the full list of Ministerial changes:

1. David Thompson – Prime Minister and Minister of National Security
• Senator Darcy Boyce – Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility Energy, Telecommunications, Immigration and Investment.
• Senator Harry Husbands – Parliamentary Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office


2. Freundel Stuart – Deputy Prime Minister, Attorney General and Minister of Home Affairs

3. Christopher Sinckler – Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs
• Senator Jepter Ince – Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Affairs

4. Senator Haynesley Benn - Minister of Commerce and Trade

5. Ronald Jones – Minister of Education and Human Resource Development

6. Michael Lashley - Minister of Housing and Lands, Urban and Rural Development
• Patrick Todd – Minister of State in the Ministry of Housing and Lands, Urban and Rural Development with responsibilities for Urban and Rural Development

7. John Boyce - Minister of Transport and Works (In addition, Leader of the House)

8. Denis Lowe - Minister of Drainage, Water Resource Management and the Environment

9. Donville Inniss – Minister of Health
• Senator Irene Sandiford- Garner – Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Health

10. Richard Sealy - Minister of Tourism

11. Dr. David Estwick – Minister of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries, Industry and Small Business Development

12. Dr. Esther Byer- Suckoo - Minister of Labour

13. Steve Blackett – Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Community Development

14. Stephen Lashley – Minister of Family, Culture, Sports and Youth

15. George Hutson- Minister of International Transport and International Business

16. Senator Maxine McClean – Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade


And in related news, apparently the Cabinet reshuffle didn't sit too well with former Minister of Economic Affairs, Dr. David Estwick. He had scheduled a press conference to express his thoughts on the matter, but apprently cooler heads prevailed and he was convinced not to go through with it.

I understand Estwick's pique over his perceived demotion, but really, how was he going to hold the PM to ransom over it?

Resign? He would only be cheating himself out of a place in Cabinet and relegating himself to the backbench.

Go independent? Independent Parliamentarians don't get very far in Bajan politics, and he knows it. Just ask Hammie-La...

Cross the floor? After his former colleague and leader Clyde Mascoll crossed over to the BLP anything is possible, but I somehow doubt Estwick would go that route. Though I would pay to see him and Owen Arthur trying to mesh their economic policies... Wuhloss.

Above all, Estwick would come over as the bas guy if he criticised his leader for changing his portfolio. Public sentiment is behind PM Thompson, and that's that.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Praying for the PM



I'm asking all of you Cheese readers and Bajans in the diaspora to continue to pray for our Prime Minister David Thompson, who is battling pancreatic cancer.

This is indeed a trying time for the nation, but especiall fro his wife and children.

May God be with them all at this time.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Things we lost in the fire

Greetings, people. Like many Barbadians, I'm still recovering from the grief, anger and pain wrought on the entire island by the desperate, criminal act of two young products of our society.

By now I'm sure you all know about the robery and fire-bombing of clothing store Campus Trendz fire on September 3 that took the lives of six young women: Nikita Belgrave, Shana Griffitth, Kelly-Ann Lynch, Pearl Cornelius, Kellishaw Oliverre and Tiffany Harding.

Although the loss of six lives in such a cruel and senseless way is more than enough, there are many other things I feel that we Bajans have lost.

For starters, we've lost our sense of security. It will be a long time before I can feel comfortable browsing the racks of a store, especially if it's one of the tiny, one-door establishments that abound in Bridgetown.

We Bajans have a lot of precepts about a whole lot of things, and most of them erroneous. "It can't happen here"; "we don't do those kinds of things" are some of the preconceived notions that have gone out the window since September 3.

Our innocence is gone, and while one can argue that that's not necessarily a bad thing, I think that's one of the things we had going for us as a nation.

To the families of the six young women, you have my deepest sympathy.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Poles apart

I'm getting more and more concern about the politicising of issues in Barbados. I know we're in the hurricane season, but there're way too many storms in a teacup around here.

Between the housing debacle with the Minister and the former Chairperson of the NHC; the "was he or was he not put out of CBC" confusion with former Minister of Tourism Noel Lynch and a bunch of other squabbles that I can't even bother to recount, you would swear the elections were next year and not 2013.

Seriously, politicos, all yuh need to cease and desist. Opposition, do your job, but remember when you all were in power you did the same or worse.

Government, learn when to put up and when to shut up. I can't speak for everyone else, but I don't give a mongoose's *ss who has the insurance coverage for CBC, the NHC or BCSL, once they're covered.

What I want to know is when I'm gonna get some relief from high cost of food and other commodities. I want to know where de hell my $450 road tax goes, cause potholes opening up like gateways to another dimension on the streets. I want to know what you all plan to do about crime in this country.

Deal with the bread and butter issues, then you all could argue as wunnna like.

Top 10 Fave TV Shows - The 2010 edition

A few years back I did a post on my favourite 80's television shows and I had a fun time reliving the memories.

You all know I'm an 80's baby, but let's face it - that decade is gone and it ain't coming back. So, with the fall tv season fast approaching, I thought I'd post up a list of the television shows I love to watch these days. Let's go....


10. The Gates - Although The Gates started off slowly, I'm still hanging in there because this show's premise of humans, vampires, werewolves and witches living side-by-side is bound to create some serious drama. Did I mention there's a succubus as well? Gives new meaning to the term suburbian hell....


9. Warehouse 13 - One of the most popular shows on the Syfy channel, Warehouse 13 has all the elements to make an enjoyable show. Check it out.


8. The Mentalist - I've had a crush on Simon Baker since I saw him loving up on Sanaa Lathan in the movie Something New. And his show isn't half bad either....


7. Modern Family - I love this cast. You've got the gay couple with the adopted Asian baby; the May-December marriage and the wannabe-cool dad who fails miserably. And Sofia Vergara? She makes it all worthwhile to watch.


6. V - I was a huge fan of the original V tv show, so I had to check this one out. So far, so good. And this version has Morris Chestnut!


5. Glee - I haven't enjoyed watching school kids dancing and singing this much since Fame. And the music will stay with you for days. But, kids and music aside, it's all about Sue Sylvester for me.


4. The Good Wife - Julianna Margulies of ER fame has made a comeback with this intense drama of a good wife gone bad - or at the very least back to work. It's riveting stuff, and investigator Kalinda Sharma is one serious character.


3. The Vampire Diaries - Can you tell I love vamp shows? I was ready to write off Vampire Diaries as Gossip Girl with fangs, but it surprised me. The acting is way better than I imagined, and the plots move at lightning speed. I can't wait till the show returns On September 9.


2. Cougar Tow - Cougar Town is one of the funniest shows on television, bar none. It's witty - love that Ellie - and just plain laugh out loud. And that Courteney Cox has obviously discovered the fountain of youth....


1. True Blood. Forget Twilight. This is how you serve up drama about vampires. With a stellar ensemble of characters - Lafayette! Eric! Pam! -True Blood is delectable till the last drop. (NB - This show is not kid's stuff, strictly R rated)

The ones to watch - literally:


The Event. As soon as I heard that one of my fave hotties Blair Underwood was cast in a show, as the President no less, I knew I had to add this show to my viewing list. It premieres on September 20 on NBC.


Nikita - The CW network is seriously stepping up its game with a new installment of the Nikita franchise. A remake of the 1997 tv series La Femme Nikita, this 2010 version features Maggie Q as an assasin gone rogue. The trailer looks tight. I'll be watching for sure. Check it on September 9 on the CW.

Love the Way You Lie



Check out the video for Eminem's very disturbing yet evocative song "Love the Way You Lie" featuring Rihanna.

In the video are actors Megan Fox and the hardly recognisable Dominic Monaghan. He's sure come a long way from his Lord of the Rings hobbit days....

Wake Up, Everybody!



Three of my fave singers - John Legend, Melanie Fiona and Common - recently did a remake of the legendary song "Wake Up, Everybody". Orignally performed by Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes, this stirring anthem has been covered by artistes from all genres.

Its message remains as relevant today as it was in 1975.

Reflect and enjoy.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Rihanna's a showstopper


A red-headed Rihanna hit the New York restaurant Da Silvano's recently for a romantic dinner with her boyfriend Matt Kemp. Lawd, I'm still trying to get used to that fire engine red hair.....



Do you, girl.

Images: Young, Black and Fabulous

Thursday, August 05, 2010

Crop Over Review


Well, Crop Over done for another year, and it's back to reality after a few months of 'serious wukking'. I must admit that I was feeling the Crop Over spirit more so than last year, partly because the music was way better this time around.

Anyhoo, here's my list of the high and low lights of Crop Over 2010:

Highs

The Dream Box funeral. Wuhloss. Dem Madd Boys too sweet. For those of you who don't know what a Dream Box is, it's an electronic device used to access cable channels free of cost, and Bajans have been making it snort for years. Well, the lone tv station CBC found a way to shut it down, so for the past few months folks have been reduced to watching only the local channel 8 or paying for the cable packages.

The comedy duo of Eric Lewis and Kevin Hinds of Madd Entertainment cooked up a stirring tribute to the demise of the Dream Box, and it was a Crop Over hit.


Dale "Mr Dale" Rudder - Mr. Dale charmed soca fans a few years back with his smash Soca Junkie, and he was back this year with a song that was made to make waists wine, Drop It. And it netted him a second People's Monarch win as well.


Rick "Lil' Rick" Reid - I'm not a huge fan of Lil Rick. Though talented, he appeals to the lowest common denominator when wearing his DJ hat, and I'm really not into that scene. But there's no denying that in 2010 he meant business, with a whole album of hits, including Big Hail , What A Feeling and the infectious Go Down. Good job, Rick.


Anderson "Blood" Armstrong - 2001 was Blood's year. He not only captured the Party Monarch title, but copped the Road March as well. Bloody good, I say.

No Pong or Contone - Look, I know that "entertainers" Pong and Contone have their fans but for real, but if we're serious about producing a quality festival, then this underwhelming duo should take a back seat. Or at the very least, bring back the Clown Prince competition just for them....

The extended route - As one reveller said, more time to wuk up! Nuff said.


Lows

The not so Soca Royale
I was winging my way to Grenada when the Soca Royale was taking place at Bushy Park, so I didn't hear of the result till the next day. I never understood why the NCF would decide to have a sweet soca competition, distinguishing it from the party monarch competition, only to have a face-off between the two. Sounded like a way to get out of providing two prizes to me....

TC/Gabby getting booed
Even though I too was surprised when TC and the Mighty Gabby won the Sweet Soca Competitions and the Pic-O-De-Crop Finals respectively, at the end of the day the judges decision is final. Booing competitors is stupid and plain rude, peoples.


The Gabby/Admiral dust-up
Okay, I confess. I laughed when I heard that the venerable Anthony "Mighty Gabby" Carter had allegedly engaged in fisticuffs with the lippy, opinionated broadcaster Anthony "Admiral" Nelson. But, really, we're all adults here, and violence never solves anything! *snicker*

CAPTION: Announcer Admiral Nelson (right) speaking after the incident with Stedson "RPB" Wiltshire


Images: nationnews.com/boycevoice.com

Friday, July 30, 2010

Crop Over Wind-Down


Hey, peoples! I'm just back from a few days out of the island, just in time for the last lap of the Crop Over Festival.

Tonight, the contenders for the Pic-o-de-Crop will face off at Kensington Oval, and I want to wish them all the best of luck.

About two hours ago one of my faves Mr. Dale took his second People's Monarch title with his catchy tune "Drop It", beating out another fave Blood.

My picks for the Pic-o-de-Crop are RPB, Blood and Gabby, in that order, while for the Road March I predict Edwin, Blood and Lil Rick will be the favourites of revellers.

Anyhoo, we'll see on Tuesday.

Have fun, be safe, y'all.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Soccer - The beautiful game

For the past few weeks, when I'm not working or busy with the family, it's all about World Cup football from South Africa.

And I'll tell you, it ain't only the vuvuzelas that have my head buzzing. Have you seen some of the footballers in this year's championships? Wuhloss, no wonder they call soccer the beautiful game! Here are some of my personal faves. Of course, I respect their football skills, don't get tie up. I'm just sayingggg.


Fabio Canavarro - Italy. I real vex that Italy get knock out of the game, 'cause not only is it one of my favourite teams, but I'm gonna miss the team's hottie captain, Fabio Cannavaro. Aye, carramba!


Kevin-Prince Boateng - Ghana. This 23-year-old Ghanian has plenty of flair, and his team made it into the second round, so more Boateng for everybody!


Cristiano Ronaldo - Portugal. The highest paid man in football is pretty dazzling to watch on the field, and off-field he isn't so hard on the eyes, either...


Kaka - Brazil. I love me some Brazil, and I especially love me some Kaka. He's known as a peaceful soul, so the fact that he got red carded in Brazil's last game against the Ivory Coast came as a shock to many.


Oguchi Onyewu - USA. The USA is hardly my fave team at the World Cup, but there's no denying that defender Oguchi has something a lil extra.